Here's how to mix two types of insulin in the same shot. One type is usually a shorter-acting insulin, which looks clear. The other is an intermediate-acting insulin, which looks cloudy.
Here's how to mix two types of insulin in the same shot. One type is usually a shorter-acting insulin, which looks clear. The other is an intermediate-acting insulin, which looks cloudy.You'll need alcohol wipes and insulin syringe, the insulin vials, and a sharps container. Make sure the insulin is at room temperature.Wash your hands well with soap and water. Start with the cloudy vial. Remove its cap. Wipe the top of the vial with an alcohol swab. Let it dry. Then take the cap off the clear insulin vial. Wipe the top of it with an alcohol swab. Let it dry.Roll the cloudy vial gently between the palms of your hands to mix it. Don't shake it.Take the cap off of the syringe. Always use a new syringe for each shot.On the side of the syringe are marks for units. Your doctor would tell you how many insulin units to inject.Pull the plunger back to your mark for the cloudy insulin. Insert the needle into the vial. Push the plunger all the way down so air goes into the vial. Remove the needle. Pull the plunger back to your mark for the clear insulin. Insert the needle into the clear vial. Push the plunger all the way down. Turn the vial and syringe upside down. Slowly pull back on the plunger until it reaches the same mark. Be sure the needle tip is in the insulin.Check for bubbles in the barrel. Remove them by tapping the barrel. If that doesn't work, push the plunger back in and then slowly pull it back to your mark.Remove the needle from the vial. Insert the needle into the cloudy vial. Turn this vial and syringe upside down. Make sure the needle tip is in the insulin. Slowly pull back the plunger until it reaches the mark for your combined insulin dose. Do not withdraw more than you need, and do not push the mixed insulin back into the body. Remove the needle from the vial.Next, use an alcohol swab to clean the shot area. It's best to choose a different spot each time. Let the alcohol dry. Pinch the skin between your thumb and first two fingers. Hold the syringe in your other hand like a pencil. Put the needle into your skin so that it is pointing straight in. Slowly push the plunger all the way in, then pull the needle straight out.Throw away the syringe in the sharps container.
Author: Semko, Laura
Online Medical Reviewer: Turley, Raymond Kent, BSN, MSN, RN
Date Last Reviewed: 02/01/2020
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